LAWN TENNIS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 18, 21 January 1905, Page 12

LAWN TENNIS.

(By "Raket«.") Two more surprises have been brought off in the championships- Miss Stewart (Eden and Epsom) has beaten Mrs Cooper (North Shore) in the ladies singles; and Mair with W. A. Brown beat Grossman and Billing in the gents doubles. This latter was a fine match, the result being in doubt to the end. Grossman was beautifully accurate, but appeared somewhat too careful, often losing chances of winning shots. Billing, on the other hand, was brilliant at times, but frequently inaccurate, and altogether was not up to his top form. Mair played a fine forcing game, his overhead smashes being particularly good. I must congratulate this player on his performance against sncli redoubtable opponents. Brown ably supported his partner, and made some really good strokes. At times: however, he got messed up a bit with soft, stuff. While not wishing to discount Miss Stewart's win from Mrs Cooper. T must say that the latter lady did not appear to mc to be at her best during the tournament, and the score, C—2, G—l. can hardly represent the Shore representative's true ability. Miss D. Udy should have the best chance for championship honours, although Miss Gray will have to be reckoned with. Miss A. Nicholson, on her showing against Miss Rice, must also be given a chance. Bice beat W. A. Brown (Eden and Epsom) in the men's champion singles without much trouble, 6—l, 6—2, 6—o. Tbe Auckland team made a good fight in the inter-club contests, especially in the combined doubles. B. Keesing and Mrs Churton won the first set from Billing and Miss Udy, but after the Eden and Epsom lady got going her strokes were well timed and perfectly placed, while Billing made trouble with good lob. Mrs Chorion did not reproduce her tournament form. Keesing was accurate, and lobbed well, but did not get a chance of net play through the good judgment in placing shown by his opponents. Mrs Coates and Miss Woodroffe also raised the hopes of Auckland supporter* by taking a set from the Misses Gorrie. In the other events Eden and Epsom entirely outclassed the opposition. Miss Woodroffe is improving rapidly, and should have a good future. Her serve is effective, and she uses ber head- I should advise her to practise lobs. Mrs Cooper and Miss Harvey beat the Misses Nicholson. 6—o, 6—3. in the championships, and are now through to the final, when they will meet Misses Gray and Bice. The Shore, ladies should win.

The West End ladies turned the tide against Parnell. the latter winning only the two gents' doubles. The B. combined was a close fight. Broadfoot and Miss Gittos scoring from Professor Segar and Miss Parsons, 6—3. 5—6. 0 7. The other events were won without much of a struggle, and the tennis shown was not of a brilliant character.